Sunday, September 29, 2013

A brief book update or, skirts are hard


For the past week or so, I have been slowly creeping my way through the art for the latest (and final) book illustration. Not creeping because I am savoring every minute of the process. No. Creeping along because this drawing is complex and I want to get it just right. At the moment, I am contemplating the best way to ink the heroine’s long skirt.

Skirts, of course, drape over the body.
William Heath Robinson demonstrates a thin
skirt which clings to the form beneath.

If the artist is smart, she will draw a woman in a skirt made of gossamer material which clings to the woman's form. (See illustration above.) In this way, the figure is shown with just a suggestion of the clinging material.

I am not that smart.

Instead, I have opted for a dress made out of a starched cotton-like fabric. It doesn’t cling and isn’t supported by hoops. So, the skirt must fall in creases only hinting at the woman’s form beneath. If I was a smarter person, I’d use a model. Once again, I am not that smart. However, by drawing the woman’s naked form beneath the clothing I can make some fairly accurate guesses as to where the cloth will crease. Finally, (imagine, if you will, the mound of discarded paper on my studio floor right now), I think I am getting closer to the series of creases that work. The hero’s coat was SO MUCH easier.

Arthur Rackham demonstrates a skirt made of
thicker material falling in stiff pleats.
Oh, and did I mention that the skirt I'm drawing is unpatterned and light-colored? Therefore, white, in pen & ink. Only the wrinkles show. Hard…that’s all I’m saying…

On the positive side, I'll start the final inking of the piece tomorrow.

2 comments:

  1. It's fun to see your inspiration illustrations and what you find helpful about them. They are both gorgeous!

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    1. It's true, Janene. Both are absolutely inspirationally gorgeous. My feeling is that if you're going to learn, learn from the best! Thanks for stopping by and commenting. :-)

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